Meet our service Dog Trainers!
Blake Holiday
Blake is a seasoned dog trainer, AKC Evaluator, and lifelong animal advocate with over 12 years of experience—seven of those spent specializing in service dog development. From working as a veterinary technician to training rescue dogs for veterans at Soldier’s Best Friend, her path has always been guided by compassion and purpose. Blake’s LIMA-based approach blends empathy, structure, and trust to transform both behavior and relationships.
Alex Shapiro
Alex is a dedicated trainer and AKC Evaluator with over a decade of experience helping dogs—and their people—build lasting, trust-based partnerships. With a background in veterinary medicine and a passion for service and therapy dog development, Alex blends structure, empathy, and flexibility to meet each dog where they are. Rooted in the LIMA framework, Alex’s approach prioritizes communication, emotional regulation, and real-life results.
Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ
Service Dog Training
Real-World Training. Real-Life Support.
At Connected Canine, our Service Dog Program is a continuation program designed for clients who have successfully completed foundational training through our Board and Train, Private Lessons, or Group Classes, or who pass our internal knowledge check and dog evaluation.
Our goal is to help qualifying dogs and handlers build the skills necessary to navigate life together—whether it’s mitigating a disability, supporting a handler through PTSD or anxiety, or learning mobility or alert tasks.
Who This Program is For
- Individuals with a diagnosed disability or condition requiring a task-trained service dog
- Graduates of Connected Canine's foundational programs, or dogs who pass our internal training assessment
- Clients seeking help with task training, public access, and handler education
- Those in need of help sourcing and evaluating a potential service dog prospect
What Our Service Dog Program Includes
Our program is customized based on your needs and the stage of training your dog is in.
Depending on your dog’s current skills and your goals, our services may include:
✅ Task Training
We work on tasks that directly mitigate your disability (e.g., retrieval, mobility support, deep pressure therapy, alert behaviors, etc.)
✅ Public Access Training
We ensure your dog behaves appropriately in all public settings and is unfazed by crowds, noises, or distractions—following ADA guidelines for public access.
✅ Handler Support & Education
We help you understand your rights, how to advocate for yourself, and how to maintain your dog’s training long-term.
✅ Dog Matching & Selection Support
Not sure if your current dog is the right fit? We can help evaluate them—or match you with a prospect dog from trusted breeders or rescues.
How the Service Dog Program Works
- Evaluation
We’ll start with a formal evaluation of your dog’s temperament, obedience, and suitability for service work.
Already trained with us? We’ll assess your past progress to determine eligibility for this next step. - Custom Training Plan
Based on your needs and the dog’s stage of learning, we’ll develop a personalized training path. This may include a mix of:
- Board & Train intensives
- Private in-home sessions
- Public access field trips
- Group training and handler classes
- Ongoing Support
We stay with you for the long haul. Whether you need check-ins, refreshers, or annual testing, we’re here to support the working team you’ve become.
What Makes Us Different
🧠 LIMA-Based, Ethical Training
We follow the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach and AKC Family Dog standards. Your dog’s emotional well-being is our top priority.
🤝 Local, Personalized, Trusted
We don’t push one-size-fits-all protocols. Our programs are flexible, customized, and built around your real life—led by experienced trainers who care.
🐾 Support Beyond the Dog
We don’t just train the dog. We empower you with tools, knowledge, and a supportive community to thrive with your service dog by your side.
Getting Started
To get started, schedule a Service Dog Evaluation.
During this 60–90 minute session, we’ll assess:
- Obedience and behavior foundations
- Response to handling and novel environments
- Suitability for future task work and public access
- Your specific needs and desired tasks
📍 Located in Phoenix, AZ | Serving the Greater Valley Area
📝 Need help finding the right dog?
We can assist in matching you with a service dog prospect or evaluating one you're considering.
Next Steps
🔗 Schedule an Evaluation
Let’s assess your dog’s potential and begin building your path to partnership.
📩 Contact Us
Have questions about timelines, pricing, or custom programs? We’re happy to help.
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